Governor Lamont shakes hands with Ädelbrook President and CEO Alyssa Goduti at a press conference to announce the CIF award on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Contact: Alyssa Goduti, President and CEO, Ädelbrook Behavioral and Developmental Services, agoduti@Ädelbrook.org or (860) 508-0382
Who: Ädelbrook Behavioral and Developmental Services
What: Governor Lamont and Manchester Legislators Announce Dept. of Economic and Community Development Community Investment Fund Award to Ädelbrook to Expand their Manchester Academy Elementary School
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Governor Lamont and Manchester Legislators Announce Dept. of Economic and Community Development (DECD) Community Investment Fund (CIF) Award to Ädelbrook to Expand their Manchester Academy Elementary School
State investment now totals $2.5 million and will support expanded educational services for children with autism, creating space for 30 additional students and 30 new jobs in Manchester.
MANCHESTER, Conn. — Governor Ned Lamont announced in a 9/24 press conference an additional $1.5 million in state funding will be awarded for the expansion of the Ädelbrook Academy in Manchester, bringing the State of Connecticut’s total investment in the project to $2.5 million. The Governor announced this support as part of the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Community Investment Fund. Senator MD Rahman and Representative Patrick Biggins joined DECD Deputy Commissioner Pugliese, members of the Ädelbrook Board of Directors, agency leadership, staff, and students, to celebrate the award.
The newly announced funding builds on $1 million previously approved in round 7 of the DECD’s Community Investment Fund for the project and will support construction, site improvements, enhanced classroom environments, and program capacity-building at Ädelbrook Manchester Academy. Ädelbrook serves nearly 400 children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other special needs and their families through special education programs, residential services, and community supports. This expansion will support the construction of a new wing, adding 4 classrooms and therapy spaces, allowing Ädelbrook to support 30 additional students and generate close to 30 new jobs in Manchester.
Ädelbrook Manchester Academy provides specialized education support and related services tailored to meet the needs of each child in a holistic environment. Ädelbrook partners with more than 60 school districts across the state to provide a continuum of care for students who need tailored educational supports. The expansion will help address a demonstrated need among Connecticut families seeking individualized educational and therapeutic supports. Ädelbrook’s CIF grant application noted that they had 55 referrals in 2024 but due to capacity, were only able to serve 6 new students.
“Our goal is to continue building an education system where students with disabilities have the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their potential, and families can find the support they need in their communities,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “This state grant will support Ädelbrook with a needed expansion, giving more students access to individualized education, therapy, and support while providing their families with another option closer to home. For Connecticut families, investments like this mean more choices and more opportunities to find the right educational setting and support for their children.”
“No child or family impacted by Autism should have to wait for services or settle for supports that don’t truly address their needs. At Ädelbrook we embrace our students with a spirit of optimism and commitment, a focus on strengths over challenges, and a belief in the infinite possibilities of their futures. Our amazing students are a testament to how compassion, hope, and diversity can strengthen communities. By increasing program capacity and accessibility, the project will help ensure more Connecticut children can receive the individualized support they need—when and where they need it,” said Alyssa Goduti, President and CEO of Ädelbrook.
“Manchester and Connecticut need to make sure they support every resident, and this expansion of Adelbrook’s Manchester Academy will make sure students who may need more resources and help will be able to receive it,” said Sen. Rahman. “On top of the Academy’s important work already underway, allowing it to reach more students and drastically expand education and employment opportunities locally will be strongly beneficial for the local community. I look forward to the State Bond Commission’s final approval.”
The Manchester Academy Expansion is expected to improve access to specialized early educational and therapeutic services at a critical time for families.
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Ädelbrook is a 126-year-old nonprofit multi-service agency specializing in behavioral and developmental services. Ädelbrook is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of families and individuals of all ages and abilities, with expertise in supporting individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders. From individualized education services to residential and therapeutic supports, Ädelbrook provides a high-quality continuum of care to meet the ever-changing needs of the amazing children and individuals it supports. Through collaboration, both internally and externally, Ädelbrook provides expert, comprehensive, data-driven, person-centered services with compassion. By building trust in a safe and nurturing environment Ädelbrook helps those it serves find a future filled with achievement, dignity, happiness, and hope. To learn more about Ädelbrook, please visit www.Ädelbrook.org
